Barry Ward (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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107. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the steps he will take to accelerate approval for offshore wind infrastructure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2004/25]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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Following a decision by Government in 2023, all future offshore renewable energy (ORE) projects in Ireland will be located within maritime areas identified for this purpose through the establishment of Designated Maritime Area Plans (DMAPs).

The move to a plan-led, or State-led, system reduces risks associated with non-plan led development and as a result should accelerate the decision-making process. DMAPs are positive policy instruments that articulate the State’s priorities for offshore wind and provide a clear planning framework for future development. Environmental considerations are integrated from the beginning of the DMAP process. This gives greater certainty on the suitability of locations for development. The selection of suitable areas occurs in an open and transparent manner, is evidence-based and informed by comprehensive opportunities for stakeholder engagement and public participation. The DMAP seeks to resolve any conflict between maritime activities thereby reducing the likelihood of this becoming an issue during the assessment of projects.

By way of update on the Government decision referenced above, following its approval by the Oireachtas in October 2024, the South Coast DMAP has been adopted as Ireland’s first statutory forward spatial plan for ORE. Contingent on future Government approval, this will be followed by publication of a roadmap on the approach to establishing further ORE DMAPs, which will accelerate sustainable development of future offshore wind projects.